MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES
[ ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 34, May 02, 2002 ]
PROVIDING FOR THE REVIVAL OF CABINET OFFICERS FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
WHEREAS, the Cabinet Officers for Regional Development (CORD) system was established under Administrative Order No. 55 on 09 February 1988, amended by Administrative Order 95 on 10 October 1988, but abolished by Executive Order No. 7 on 30 September 1998;
WHEREAS, the CORD system has been proven to be an effective linkage mechanism between the regional and sub-regional levels of government and the national leadership and in assisting the President address problems in government operations in the region and sub-regional levels;
WHEREAS, under the Administrative Code of 1987, the President has the continuing authority to implement desired administrative changes;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, President of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers vested in me by law, do hereby order:
Section 1. Cabinet Officers for Regional Development. – The CORD system is hereby revived. In addition to his/her regular duties, a Cabinet member may be assigned to discharge the functions, duties and responsibilities herein provided with respect to a particular region. The Cabinet member so assigned by the President shall be called the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD).
Section 2. Functions, Duties and Responsibilities of the CORD. – The CORD shall perform, among others, the following functions, duties and responsibilities:
a. Assist in articulating the region’s concerns and perceptions in the Cabinet, with the other Departments, the Office of the President and concerned agencies;
b. Assist the President in the speedy, efficient and orderly resolution of problems in government operations in his/her assigned region;
c. Identify and clarify key issues and concerns affecting peace and order and security, thru the Regional Peace and Order Councils (RPOC) and the Cabinet Oversight Committee on Internal Security (COC-IS) sub-national levels;
d. In coordination with the Regional Development Councils (RDC) and other local special bodies, assist in defining priorities and projects in the region;
e. Undertake regular visits for the purpose of conducting consultations with local officials and the private sector in his/her region of assignment;
f. Ensure that all programs, projects and activities of the national government in the region are well implemented, and information thereon fully disseminated to the people through various mechanisms and strategies;
g. Act as Lead Convenor during Presidential regional meetings;
h. Submit reports as necessary of his/her activities to the President through the Executive Secretary;
i. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the President.
Section 3. Operational Relationship. – The CORD shall, in the discharge of his/her functions, duties and responsibilities, coordinate with the various agencies and local government units (LGUs) concerned. He/she shall not duplicate the regular functions of any government agency or body.ℒαwρhi৷ He/she shall deal with the existing administrative bodies, through their central offices, when calling attention to specific matters of concern.
Section 4. Staff Support. – The CORD shall coordinate with and draw its staff support as follows:
(a) on matters affecting the RDC – from the regional office of the National Economic and Development Authority;
(b) on matters affecting the RPOC and internal security – from the NAPOLCOM regional office and the sub-national group of the COC-IS;
(c) on matters affecting government operations in the region – from the Presidential Assistants and Regional Development Executives assigned in the region pursuant to Executive Order No. 44 dated October 23, 2001.
Section 5. The Executive Secretary is hereby authorized to issue implementing guidelines to ensure and facilitate the submission of reports of CORD activities, findings and recommendations. He is likewise authorized to establish the necessary mechanisms for speedy resolution of CORD-identified issues and concerns by national agencies.
Section 6. Repealing Clause. – All orders, issuances, rules and regulations and other issuances or parts thereof, which are inconsistent with this Administrative Order, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
Section 7. Effectivity. – This Administrative Order shall take effect immediately.
DONE in the City of Manila, this 2nd day of May in the year of our Lord, two thousand two.
(Sgd.) GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO
President of the Philippines
By the President:
(Sgd.) ALBERTO G. ROMULO
Executive Secretary
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